To Survive

To “Survive”

In Lawrence Hills novel “The Book of Negroes” he expresses the belief that one must survive no matter what, whether it be through the power of language or ones journey to find an identity and place in this world. This course of action can be seen through the characters actions, the setting and plot, and symbols through out the book.
Language is a power that no one can live with out. Whether it be through writing or speaking, without the use of language there would basically be no one else in the world besides you. By speaking and communicating with others around them the slaves are confirming their existence. “'Chekura' I sang 'of kinta. And Isa, of Srakoro. Ngolo, of Jelibugu. Fanta, of Bayo.' the homelander's spirits picked up, a little” (Hill, Pg 83). When the slaves gave their name to some one else and then that person called out their name, it helped confirm that yes they do exist and that people will remember who they are and we're. Language in the form of words is another way that is expressed as survival in Aminata's story.
“If I live long enough to finish this story, it will outlive me. Long after I have returned to the spirits of my ancestors, perhaps it will wait in the London library. Sometimes I imagine the first reader to come upon my story. Could it be a girl? Perhaps a women. A man. An Englishman. An African. One of these people will find my story and pass it along. And then, I believe, I will have lived for a reason” (Pg 105).
By writing down the tale of her life she is making sure that others will remember her, and more will come to know her. She has made it possible that even after her death she will still survive, be it through the memory of others or otherwise. Language is a power with it, any thing is possible, even getting along with your enemy when you can understand with each other. It is an ability that insures survival even in the worst of times.
To Survive a human being must have a identity and a place in this...